HASLEMERE 6, FAREHAM III 1

HASLEMERE recorded a fairly routine victory over lowly Fareham thirds and with nearest rivals Sunbury and London Academicals both slipping up, the Blues have stretched their lead to seven points in the Hants/Surrey 2 Regional.

The home side again started brightly, giving the ball quickly and causing Fareham early problems with their movement off the ball.

It was not long before the pressure told. Haslemere took a free-hit quickly just outside the D and as the Fareham defence went to sleep, Barney Green dribbled through to smash the ball into the bottom corner.

The Blues soon doubled their advantage as James Bennett did what he does best and struck a shot that was too hot for the keeper to handle.

Minutes later, Bennett repeated the feat, this time giving the keeper no chance with a shot into the bottom corner. Three-nil to the leaders.

And before half-time, Haslemere added a fourth to put the game beyond the visitors. Andy Powell’s neat deflection from a set-piece again left the hapless goalkeeper well beaten.

After the break, there was no respite for Fareham as Haslemere pushed players higher up the pitch.

Midfielder Rob Grech was next on the scoresheet. Seizing on a loose ball in the attacking half, he drove into the D on an angle before shooting high into the goal.

Haslemere used the wings to create further opportunities and Andy Powell’s poaching instincts earned him another goal, bringing the team’s total to 82 this league season.

Haslemere, who have now won 12 out of 14 matches, travel to bottom side City of Portsmouth this Saturday.